Reading Council confirms free road closures for Big Lunch street parties #rdguk

Green councillor Jamie Whitham asked if the Council was going to be doing free road closures for Big Lunch street parties again this year. Question and answer below. In brief yes. Link at the bottom for application details.

QUESTION NO. 4 in accordance with Standing Order No.10

Councillor Whitham to ask the Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport

Road Closures for Street Parties

Building local community spirit and strength is important to the Green Party. In previous years the Council has been able to offer free road closures to residents to help them organise street parties in the summer. This has brought people together over food and games and been really positive for Reading. Will the Council commit to keeping this initiative going and offering free road closures for street parties this summer?

REPLY by Councillor Page (Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport):

I made it clear last year that for those events which are promoted nationally to a set date, such as the “Big Lunch”, the Council is able to facilitate all road closures through one public notice. It is cost effective and is an important contribution by the Council towards strengthening local communities.

The Council will once again support all those wishing to hold a Street Party to celebrate this year’s Big Lunch initiative.  We will cover the cost of the legal notice as long as the approved party takes place on the weekend of the Big Lunch (1^st June).

The procedure will be the same as in previous years, where we will require the organisers to complete the relevant paperwork and receive permission from at least 50% of the residents in the street before the application will be considered. Once we have received the paperwork we will then advise on whether the application has been successful.

Application forms and guidance notes have already been sent to anyone who has contacted us regarding the possibility of holding a Street Party for the Big Lunch this year.

The RBC website has also been up-dated with information and a downloadable application form, which can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.reading.gov.uk/leisureandvisitors/eventsandfestivals/street-parties/